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Theppakulam Float Festival in Madurai
Theppakulam means a large area of pond, and the Theppakulam water tank is one of the biggest water tanks in South India and belongs to Mariamman Temple in Madurai. This tank is connected to the River Vaigai through an ingenious system of underground channels. Thirumalai Nayakar was the one who erected this tank. It is approximately 305 meters long and 290 meters wide, almost equal to Meenakshi Amman Temple.
It was only on the day of Thaipoosam that Goddess Parvathi gifted the Vel (spear) to Lord Murugan when he went for a battle with a demon named Soorapadman.
In those days, for the first time, this festival was celebrated by King Thirumalai Nayakkar, and now every year, it is celebrated on his birthday.
An annual float festival is held on this tank in January and February, particularly on the full moon night at the Shri Mariamman temple in Madurai, which coincides with the Poosam star's occurrence during the Tamil calendar month of Thai. Bright lights in various colours will be used to beautify the area surrounding the pond and the central mandap.
On this day, early in the morning, the idols of Sri Meenakshi Amman and Lord Sundareswarar are taken in a decorated palanquin from Meenakshi Amman Temple to the Theppakulam and placed in a colourful floral decorated boat to go around the centre mandap three times in the water tank. Colourful crackers are burnt, which would be a real feast for our eyes. This festival is unique in its celebration and hence attracts a large number of tourists. A huge crowd will be gathered at this place to witness this colourful festival. After the festival is over, at night, the idols are brought back to Meenakshi Temple. Due to these celebrations, Shri Meenakshi Amman Temple will remain closed on this day.
Visitors to Tamil Nadu should be a part of the exuberance prevalent in this place due to varied cultural traditions; hence, they must participate in the Madurai Float Festival. The lit-up Meenakshi Amman Temple and decorated floats on the Mariamman Theppakulam tank make up a truly enthralling sight. Traditional music, dance performances, and rituals make for an immersive experience. This celebration offers an insight into the spiritual and cultural identity of the region.